Favorite Moments from Christmas 2009

The Christmas trees are still decorated and lit-up and in their places (I pretty much let them stay up through Epiphany; I hate to take them down so quickly after Christmas); the cinnamon candles are still burning; boxes of Christmas candy and cookies are still out on the tabletops for anyone to indulge in (although I'm indulging in them a bit too much!); and my gifts are still out and being enjoyed (new books, new pajamas, new bubble bath, new movies, new music).

I want to savor the season a little bit longer, so I'm trying to let things linger for a while.
So, then, I thought I'd share some of my favorite moments and feelings of the season with all of you. Really in no particular order, here are some of my favorite moments/memories/ impressions from the last couple of days.

* We spent the night at my parents' house on the 23rd, which made getting up the next morning for our annual Christmas Eve brunch so much easier. It almost felt like waking up on Christmas morning as a child, and it made the day go by much slower and relaxed. Those extra hours of not driving just continued on throughout the festivities, and things seemed much more easy-going. I just loved not feeling like I was rush-rushing to every event and activity.

* Opening a big gift bag and pulling out an Alabama t-shirt, and then another Alabama t-shirt, and then another, and then another...until I got to a signed Nick Saban football at the bottom. (My parents bought it at a charity auction and had been excited about it for months!)

* Gingerbread cookies, decorated sugar cookies, croissants, fried turkey, cheese straws, sweet potato pie.

* Experiencing Sydney's fascination with Santa Claus all over again. (And seeing Delaney totally get into with her!) They tracked Santa's voyage at the Norad website, and then Sydney threw out "reindeer" food on the lawn and wrote him a last-minute Christmas Eve note ("Santa, I love you. Love, Sydney").

* Watching Sydney ride her new bike on Christmas Day.

* Glee t-shirt, Martha Stewart cupcake book, houndstooth jacket, an original painting by McKenna, The Beatles' "Revolver," The Pioneer Woman Cookbook, "Star Trek" on dvd. Just some of the wonderful things I received from my wonderful family and friends!

* Having McKenna tell me on Christmas night how much she loved her painting gifts. She received a standing easel, a lot of canvases and paints and supplies, a book on acrylic techniques, and a sketchbook (all from "Santa"); when she told me with gratitude how much she loved them, it gave me such a nice little "mother thrill."

* Celebrating the last night of Advent--and lighting the final candle--with Gary and the girls.

* Enjoying the day after Christmas with a movie marathon. Delaney and I went to see "Avatar" (visually stunning! and so fun to see with one of my girls by ourselves!), and then that night all the girls headed out to see "The Princess and the Frog."

The last week or so was filled with many wonderful moments, and I tried to stop and enjoy them all as I was experiencing them.

If you'll remember my story several posts back about Sydney teaching me about mirth...I tried to embrace mirth and joy and contentment this holiday season. I wanted to sit back and enjoy the moments; and I feel like I really did this year.

I hope that all of you had a wonderful holiday season as well. I think of you all often, and pray that you will have a blessed rest of 2009. I will "see" you again soon!